Rovanama favoured

By JACK AMI
TWO favourites and two under dogs have made it through to the Southern Region League Nines Cup semifinals at the National Football Stadium today.
In yesterday’s fixtures, defending champions Rovanama stopped Miro Koivi Iahe 24-14 and a cool Taurama Gaveraia came from behind to edge Mahuru Eagles 8-6.
The Erima Laumas edged Taurama Waves 5-4  and RIL Roadsiders beat Borenumu Flyers 10-6.
Rovanama are the only surviving team from the Aroma Coast while Taurama, Roadsiders and Laumas are Port Moresby-based sides in the cup playoffs.
Rovanama and Taurama are favoured sides heading into todays’ cup fixtures.
The cup semifinal sees Taurama Gaveraia facing the Roadsiders and the Laumas taking on seven-time champions Rovanama – the winners make the final.
In the plate playoffs, Ipakeke Pelagai meet Taurama Gaveraia (2) and Lagoon Pirates face Mogeana Blues. In the bowl playoffs, Kimo Eels take on North Dingos and Bote Titans Hetura clash with Waidex (2).
While in th pennant SSG Roosters play Paramana Survivors and Miro Koivi Karoro take on Nama Geriai.
All the losing teams bow out of the race while the winners advance to their respective division finals.
Tournament director Ivan Ravu said the presentation of awards would take place straight after the cup final.
The grand finals for the cup, plate, bowl and pennant are scheduled for this afternoon starting at 2pm.
A prize pool of K40,000 is up for grabs.
The Cup winners will pocket K10,000, runners-up K7000, man of the match K250, player of the tournament K400, best coach K400 and top try scorer K250.
In the other finals: Plate winners and runners-up K5000/K4000; bowl K3000/K2000; pennant K1500/K1000.